At Antioch Lake Cities, we are committed to being a people who live out the command of Jesus to “love our neighbors” (Mark 12:31), partnering with Jesus in what He is doing to bring people back to God. We say, “We have been Blessed to BLESS”. B.L.E.S.S. is an acronym that reminds us of 5 simple ways that we can practically obey Jesus’ command to love our neighbors and help people come to Him.

  • B - BEGIN WITH PRAYER

  • L - LISTEN

  • E - EAT

  • S - SERVE

  • S - SHARE MY STORY

Below, you will find teachings, resources, and starting points for each of the BLESS practices we are implementing as a church. We also encourage you to read the book “B.L.E.S.S.” by Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson which introduces and expounds on this life style! Once you explore this content, we invite you to RESOLVE to BLESS and love your neighbors, co-workers, and friends utilizing the B.L.E.S.S. practice (among other things) as a regular part of your life!

INTRODUCTION TO BLESS

  • Listen to message “Blessed to Bless”.

  • Starting Point: pray the “Blessed Declaration”! Download wallpaper.

  • Action: Ask God who he is calling you to BLESS.

  • Read chapters 1 & 2 of “B.L.E.S.S.”. Answer questions after each chapter.

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

  • Action: Identify 8-10 people around you that you will pray for and seek to BLESS (Use Neighbor Map or write on a list)

  • Resource: Pray for the city using the Garland Prayer Map.

  • Read chapter 3 of “B.L.E.S.S.”! Answer questions at the end of each chapter!

LISTEN

  • Starting Point: Ask God to help you be a person who loves others by taking pleasure in hearing and understanding others rather than expressing your opinion.

  • Prepare: Make a list of 10 simple and thoughtful questions you could ask someone.

  • Action: With a friend you are seeking to BLESS, practice asking questions and listening!

  • Read chapter 4 of “B.L.E.S.S.”! Answer questions at the end of each chapter!

EAT

  • Action: Invite someone to eat with you! Listen to them and be open to the Holy Spirit.

  • Read chapter 5 of “B.L.E.S.S.”! Answer questions at the end of each chapter!

SERVE

  • Starting Point: pray the “Serving Include Me Prayer” (Download Wallpaper)

  • Action: Serve someone in a simple way!

  • Resource: Practical Ways you could serve those around you (Download Serve Ideas)

  • Read chapter 6 of “B.L.E.S.S.”! Answer questions at the end of each chapter!

SHARE YOUR STORY

  • Starting Point: Prepare to share using the Share Your Story Guide.

  • Action: Share Your Story with someone!

  • Read chapter 7 & 8 of “B.L.E.S.S.”! Answer questions at the end of each chapter!

Be Courageous To Live It Out!